Housing/urban Issues/Gentrification

Truist Bank makes 2nd failed attempt to evict Adams-Morgan Plaza using old/revoked permit

On Friday, Sep 24, Truist Bank launched a predawn assault on Adams-Morgan plaza and its defenders. They showed an old and revoked permit, and MPD said the "big boys downtown" said they were "good to go" but the assault reportedly failed, with the defenders still holding the plaza later that day.

Truist's hired guns again tried and failed to evict Adams-Morgan plaza at 18th and Columbia Road(Photo by rvltn)

Protesters halt eviction and fencing of Adams-Morgan plaza

At Noon on the 22nd of September, Truist Bank had planned to evict unhoused people from the plaza at 18th and Columbia Road and fence the area off. They got an unpleasant surprise: activists were holding the plaza, and the delay allowed city officials to call them out for attempting to build the fence without a permit. Had the fence been up before the inspectors arrived it would probably have been allowed to stay.

Video of the occupation of Adams-Morgan Plaza 2 min 13 sec

The plaza at Noon Sep 22, when it was "supposed" to be fenced off

Community removes planters installed at 17th st safeway after homeless sweep

On the 3ed of August, DC police and DPW swept an unhoused tent camp from in front of the 17th st safeway. Afterwards, someone installed planters where the tents had been to block their return. The planters did not belong to the DC government-and community members removed ALL of them after twitter posts announced "free planters" at that location. A GoFundMe to replace them failed and was shut down after raising just $100 out of a $2K goal.

ALL of these planters installed to block unhoused people from returning have been removed by the community

Eviction protesters rally, sleep at US Capitol as eviction moratorium expires

At midnight beginning Aug 1, the national (not the DC local) moratorium on evictions (due to covid) expired. At midnight beginning Aug 1, the national (not the DC local) moratorium on evictions (due to covid) expired. At the same time, protesters held a rally on the steps of the US Capitol demanding extension of the moratorium.

Update: After 5 days of protests new limited eviction moratorium in place

Video-midnight rally on Capitol steps demands eviction moratorium be extended 41 sec

Midnight rally against the return of evictions. Some of these protesters have been sleeping outside the US Capitol

Cancel Rent activists march on home of councilmember Anita Bonds

On the first of June, protesters gathered in front of the DC Housing authority to march on the home of councilmember Anita Bonds. Activists were there to demand at least a two-year rent freeze with cancellation of back rent due to the pandemic. Across the street from DCHA, low income apartments burned as firefighters gave their all to battle the blaze. This while activists hope to douse the flames of gentrification and displacement.

Video of the march and rally at Anita Bond's house 1 min 51 sec

Protesters gather at DC Housing Authority as an affordable apartment building burns across the street

Tenants of the Woodner, other Van Metre properties hold Cancel the Rent protest

On the 26th of March, tenants of the Woodner, the Oaklawn, and other Van Metre properties protested in front of their buildings demanding back rent and rent be cancelled in the face of the majority of tenants losing their jobs to the COVID-19 pandemic. While tenants starve, Ms Woodner rides $100,000 horses and sponsors art shows!

Video featuring tenant organizer telling of Ms Woodner's expensive horses and art shows 1 min 26 sec

Rallying at the Woodner for rent cancellation in face of pandemic job losses

Activists limit 2nd L st homeless sweep to opening 9 foot clearance on sidewalk

On Dec 8, an "area cleanup" of the L st underpass homeless camp was limited by community pressure to trash removal. On Dec 21, the Mayor's troops returned, only to again face a potential hornet's nest as camera-wielding activists waited ready. Again the Mayor had to let the homeless stay, again only trash was removed. This time, tents etc were moved by residents and activists to clear a 9 foot walkway.

Scene at the L st underpass as cops and trash trucks showed up (phot bt Remora House)

"Area cleanup" of overpass homeless camps limited to trash removal by community pressure

On the 8th of December, DC Dept of Public Works trash trucks showed up at the L and M st underpass homeless tent cities for a pre-announced "cleanup." Normally these involve forcible expulsion of all residents and large-scale destruction of property. This time however, community activists were ready and waiting, and the cleanup was limited to trash collection and removal of two abandoned tents at request of camp residents.

Tenant activists run off second illegal eviction attempt in two weeks

On the 10th of August, DC area Tenant organzers defeated their second illegal eviction attempt in PG County just over the DC line in less than two weeks. Again the landlord told tenants he was going to throw their belongings into the street and change the locks with no court order. Again activists showed up en masse, and again the landlord scuttled away in defeat.

Video-Tenant activsts deter illegal eviction simply by their presence 48 sec

Housing activists run off attempted illegal eviction in Chillum, MD

On the last day of July, landlord Bob Miley showed up in Chillum, MD with the intent of illegally evicting tenants of a house he "owns." He saw from the end of the block that the area was packed with protesters and beat a hasty retreat. With no court order he could not get police help for his failed attempt to change the locks.

Video: defending the house, and reading the laws the landlord is violating 4 min 38 sec

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